NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Genomic factors shaping lung cancer risk in Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders

Official title: Characterizing genomic risk factors of lung cancers in Native Hawaiians

Funded at University of Hawaii at Manoa · NIH-11375087 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This NIH grant focuses on understanding why Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and African Americans have higher lung cancer risk and poorer outcomes by studying tumor DNA and related molecular patterns.

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Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Honolulu, United States)
Project startSeptember 15, 2023
Project endMay 31, 2028
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$530,426
NIH project number5U54HG013243-04
Project IDNIH-11375087 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Patients with lung cancer who are Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, or African American, and whose tumor samples or data can contribute to comparative genomic analyses.

Less likely to help

Patients outside NH/PI/AA groups or those without tumor samples may not directly benefit from this study.

What this research studies

Researchers at the University of Hawaii at Manoa will study genomic differences in lung tumors from NH/PI and AA patients to uncover molecular factors linked to higher risk and worse survival. The project will compare tumor DNA and methylation patterns to those in more represented populations to identify race-specific drivers of lung cancer. The work aims to fill gaps where NH patients have been underrepresented in major genomic projects, potentially guiding tailored prevention and treatment strategies. The study involves analyzing tumor samples and associated data to map distinct molecular profiles across populations. Outcomes could inform precision medicine approaches for NH/PI and AA communities affected by lung cancer.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: The research could lead to more accurate risk assessment and personalized treatments for NH/PI and AA patients with lung cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Previous genomic studies have shown racial disparities in lung cancer drivers, but NH/PI groups have been underrepresented, making this work particularly novel and important.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Hawaii at Manoa
    Honolulu, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Deng, Youping — University of Hawaii at Manoa
  • Study coordinator: Deng, Youping

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.